
It’s no secret that I could use a little help in the drawing department; I’ve been using tools to help me trace designs onto cookies since 2009. Starting with the KopyKake projector, then the Pico and Magnasonic Mini Projectors, and now onto my latest go-to projector the AAXA P8 Smart Mini Projector.
AAXA P8 Mini Smart Projector Basic How-To
The AAXA P8 Smart Projector is a mini, handheld size projector that I use to project an image onto my cookie. It’s plugged into my Samsung Galaxy Tablet and mounted on this Arkon mount above. The mount is called the Remarkable Creators Phone and Tablet Stand, is $139.95 and you can get it on Arkon’s site here. You can get 20% off with the coupon code sweetopia. You should know I am an affiliate of Arkon and Amazon, but only share products I use and love with you.
I’ve made a basic video on how to use the AAXA Mini Smart Projector for cookie decorating. If you prefer reading the notes, you’ll find them below the video. Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section below or on social media.
AAXA P8 Mini Smart Projector Video
Click here if you can’t see the video.
Which device can the AAXA P8 projector connect to?
I have connected to the projector with my mobile phone, tablet and laptop. It seems you can use most electronic devices.
How to Connect the AAXA P8 Projector to your Device
The projector has many options in terms of how you connect to your device. Through wi-fi is my favorite, but you can also easily use an USB stick, connect with an HDMI cable or mirror through the mirroring option on the projector.
For the wi-fi option, you will need an app called AirPlay TV on your device (the user manual lists other options as well), to be able to cast the image from your device to the projector. Some devices already come with AirPlay TV installed, but I needed to install mine through the Google Play store. Just a side note, I am using a free AirPlay TV app, so commercials do show up when I first turn it on. It takes a minute to get through them, but once my projector is connected they don’t show up again.
Sizing and Moving Your Images
If you’re using your projector to watch YouTube or Netflix etc., you won’t need the following app, however, if you’re using it for cookie decorating, I find the Camera Lucida (iPhone), or AR Lucida (Android) useful. You can easily rotate and resize the image to match your cookie.
The projector has the option of changing the direction of projection in the settings, so you don’t necessarily need an app like AR Lucida or Camera Lucida, however, I just like it for the sizing options.
Projector Stand
The projector comes on its own, and it’s key to have a good mount to hold it up. I love the Arkon mount… It’s sturdy with a solid base so I don’t need to clamp it to a table and can move it anywhere, it can easily be adjusted to project at any angle and the clamps which hold the projector and tablet are adjustable, snug and tight. The mount will hold any mini projector – the clamps adapt to any handheld device size. I’ll share the links to the one I use below.
If you’d like to use the AAXA P8 Smart Mini Projector, here’s a summary of what you’ll need:
The AAXA P8 Smart Mini Projector and Tools I Use
If the AAXA P8 is sold out, here are other mini pocket-sized projectors
Arkon Remarkable Creators Phone and Tablet Stand (20% off with coupon code sweetopia)
Mini HDMI to HDMI cable (Doesn’t come with the projector. You will need this IF you use an HDMI cable).
Lightning to HDMI Adapter (Adapter for HDMI cable to attach to tablet IF you use an HDMI cable).
AAXA Mini Projector Notes
I found that the buttons on the projector itself were very touch sensitive. So much so that a light touch on the arrow forward button, for example, would make it the arrow jump ahead a few spaces instead of just one. For that reason I prefer to use the controller provided.
If you find connecting to wi-fi complicated, it’s easy to just connect the projector with an HDMI cable, or put your images on a USB and insert.
I use my projector for cookie decorating, but I love how you can connect to the internet with the projector and watch YouTube or other streaming services through the projector.
Just a note that I was gifted the projector to try, but all my opinions are my own and I only share products with you that I use and enjoy.
I love using the AAXA P8 mini projector as I’m not a skilled artist, so it takes the worry and frustration out of drawing. I definitely wouldn’t have the same cookie results without it! If it’s worth it for you; I really can’t say. It’s a matter of personal opinion. Do you need help in the drawing department? Are you a good artist but would like to speed the process up? If your answer is yes to either of the latter questions you’ll probably like the projector.
Just a side note that the how-to for the cookies shown in the video will be coming in November. I hope you’ve enjoyed my tutorial. Please feel free to drop me a line or ask a question in the comment section – I love hearing your input!
Happy decorating!
xo,
Marian
Excellent Tutorials. Love your cookies. You are very talented in decorating and explaining the projector.
Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and talents!
ML
Thank you so much for continuing to provide awesome information! Do you prefer this to the Pico now?
Hi Allison,
My pleasure! Yes, I do. I love the versatility. (connecting with wifi)